Producer Brands Blake Lively a 'F***ing Terrorist' Over Film Set Demands
A senior producer working on the film adaptation of It Ends With Us has described actress Blake Lively as a 'f***ing terrorist' in explosive court documents, following her submission of a detailed 17-point list of demands to return to the movie's set. The harsh characterisation was made by Andrea Giannetti, Executive Vice President of Production at Columbia Pictures, during a legal deposition that has brought internal conflicts on the production into stark public view.
Legal Battle Reveals Deep Set Tensions
The incendiary comments emerge from court filings ahead of a major hearing in New York, where director and co-star Justin Baldoni is seeking to have Lively's claims of sexual harassment and defamation dismissed. The case is scheduled to proceed to trial in May, with a judge having already dismissed Baldoni's own $400 million defamation lawsuit against Lively earlier in proceedings.
According to the documents seen by the Daily Mail, Giannetti did not mince words when describing the production environment. She labelled the entire film project a 's*** show' and confirmed under oath that she had indeed used the term 'terrorist' when discussing Lively's extensive list of requirements with producer Jamey Heath.
The Controversial 17-Point List
Lively's comprehensive list of demands was presented in November 2023, following what she describes as sustained harassment on set. The actress alleges that Baldoni made inappropriate comments to her and other female cast members, creating what multiple witnesses have characterised as a toxic working environment.
Among the specific stipulations in Lively's document was a requirement for 'no spontaneous improvising of any scenes involving physical touching, simulated sex, or nudity'. Both Baldoni and producer Jamey Heath have stated they signed the agreement under duress, fearing the entire project would collapse without Lively's participation.
Actress's Criticism of Director's Conduct
Giannetti's deposition reveals that Lively expressed significant concerns about Baldoni's professional capabilities and personal conduct. According to the producer, Lively believed Baldoni fell into the category of being 'unprepared, indecisive and inexperienced' as a director.
Furthermore, Lively reportedly found Baldoni 'too sensitive' and difficult to critique constructively. 'She would have a criticism, and he wouldn't take it well,' Giannetti stated. 'He'd be hurt by it, and then she felt like she had to, like, go in and buck him up.'
Multiple Actresses Report Inappropriate Behaviour
The court documents include disturbing accounts from other female cast members who worked on the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover's bestselling novel. Isabela Ferrer, who played a younger version of Lively's character Lily Bloom, provided a particularly scathing assessment of Baldoni's behaviour during filming.
Ferrer alleges that after filming a scene where her character lost her virginity to co-star Alex Neustaedter, Baldoni made an inappropriate comment, stating: 'I know I'm not supposed to say this but that was hot.' She further claims that Baldoni encouraged Neustaedter to 'get to know Isabela well' early in production, accompanied by a suggestive wink.
In another concerning incident, Ferrer says Baldoni attempted to get her to lick cookie dough off a spoon during a scene, which she felt carried an inappropriate 'sexual undertone' given her character was just sixteen years old at that point in the narrative.
Co-Star Jenny Slate Adds Further Allegations
Jenny Slate, who played Lively's friend Allysa in the film, has also provided testimony describing awkward and inappropriate moments on set. Slate recalls Baldoni telling her: 'I can say this because my wife is here, but you look sexy in what you're wearing.'
In her deposition, Slate expresses bewilderment at how Baldoni has cultivated a public image as a prominent feminist, having hosted a TED talk and authored books about being a better man. 'I really don't get how he did a TED Talk,' Slate states. 'He is worse than most of the bros I've encountered, not because he's predatory but because of his general fragility and misogyny, like not seeming to be aware of any of the obvious no-nos.'
Internal Communications Reveal Growing Concerns
The court filings include revealing text messages exchanged between cast members that illustrate the deteriorating atmosphere on set. In messages to her agent, Slate wrote: 'I'm not kidding when I tell you that Justin and Jamey freak me out. Like they tell really weird lies and Justin is astoundingly wrongheaded.'
Lively herself texted Slate during the production, acknowledging the challenging dynamics: 'What you said though is very self-aware. Neither of us are people who can't take a joke or who can't work or understand blue. We're not that fragile... You just can't record people without asking. You can't speak to people sexually while not in character or while talking about the character, and if you overstep, you move on. It's the weirdness after that makes it feel bad. Like if we speak up, the vibes on set get funky and the work suffers.'
Broader Implications for Film Industry Standards
The unfolding legal drama surrounding It Ends With Us provides a troubling window into the behind-the-scenes conflicts that can emerge during major film productions. The case raises significant questions about:
- The appropriate boundaries between directors and actors during intimate scenes
- The mechanisms available to performers when they feel uncomfortable on set
- The power dynamics that can silence concerns during high-profile productions
- The effectiveness of existing industry safeguards against harassment
As the May trial date approaches, these revelations are likely to fuel broader conversations about accountability and professional conduct within the entertainment industry, particularly following the #MeToo movement's increased scrutiny of workplace environments in Hollywood.
